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Sign inFestivals, fireworks, illuminations, snow festivals and more to enjoy during your trip. Dates are checked against official sources.
Sun, January 17Clear the day
Dots mark the station or place nearest each venue. Tap a dot to see the events and dates.
The snow-covered thatched farmhouses of this World Heritage village are lit up on four evenings.
By advance reservation only. You cannot visit without one.
Dates, times and details can change, for example because of the weather. Please check the official information before you go.
Numbers show how many events are held that day (long-running ones such as illuminations are shown as a dot). Tap a day to see its events.
The year's first grand sumo tournament, 15 days at the Kokugikan in Ryogoku.
Paid. Advance tickets go on sale 5 December 2026.
Fairy-tale themed light displays line Peace Boulevard in central Hiroshima.
Trees along Marunouchi Naka-dori near Tokyo Station are lit in champagne gold.
Lanterns and lights decorate the streets of Yokohama Chinatown ahead of Lunar New Year.
A plum garden known for very early blossoms, with about 60 varieties blooming in turn.
Paid entry during the festival.
One of Japan's largest illumination events, held in a flower park with light tunnels and a large themed display.
Paid entry. Closed 6–7 January. Dated tickets are required on 23–25 December.
Snow & ice
Sun, Jan 17
Shirakawa-go, Gifu · Chubu & Hokuriku
After dark
The snow-covered thatched farmhouses of this World Heritage village are lit up on four evenings.
By advance reservation only. You cannot visit without one.
Pop culture
Fri, Jan 15 – Sun, Jan 17
Makuhari Messe, Chiba · Kanto
Paid
One of the world's largest custom car shows.
Paid. Digital tickets only.
Sports & sumo
Sun, Jan 10 – Sun, Jan 24
Ryogoku Kokugikan, Tokyo · Kanto
Paid
The year's first grand sumo tournament, 15 days at the Kokugikan in Ryogoku.
Paid. Advance tickets go on sale 5 December 2026.
Illuminations
Fri, Dec 4 – Sun, Jan 24
Peace Boulevard, Hiroshima · Chugoku
FreeAfter dark
Fairy-tale themed light displays line Peace Boulevard in central Hiroshima.
IlluminationsOn now
Until Sun, Feb 1416:00–23:00 (until midnight in December)
Marunouchi Naka-dori, Tokyo · Kanto
FreeAfter dark
Trees along Marunouchi Naka-dori near Tokyo Station are lit in champagne gold.
IlluminationsOn now
Until Sat, Feb 2016:00–23:00
Yokohama Chinatown · Kanto
FreeAfter dark
Lanterns and lights decorate the streets of Yokohama Chinatown ahead of Lunar New Year.
Autumn leaves & flowers
Sat, Jan 9 – Sun, Mar 7
Atami Baien Plum Garden, Shizuoka · Chubu & Hokuriku
Paid
A plum garden known for very early blossoms, with about 60 varieties blooming in turn.
Paid entry during the festival.
IlluminationsOn now
Until Mon, May 31
Nabana no Sato, Kuwana, Mie (train and bus from Nagoya) · Chubu & Hokuriku
PaidAfter dark
One of Japan's largest illumination events, held in a flower park with light tunnels and a large themed display.
Paid entry. Closed 6–7 January. Dated tickets are required on 23–25 December.